Variable Air Intake Housing for Aircraft Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-flow turbine engines with high bypass ratios face challenges in capturing sufficient cold air for air intake systems, especially at high temperatures and low engine speeds, due to limited space and aerodynamic constraints, which affects the performance and efficiency of air intake systems.
Innovation Solution
An air intake system with a variable aerodynamic profile is introduced, featuring a movable sealing mechanism that adjusts the air inlet opening to meet airflow demands, allowing for maximum airflow in extreme conditions while minimizing drag and maintaining aerodynamic performance across varying engine speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large-sized air inlet opening is arranged in the fan duct to capture sufficient cold air flow, then the air intake system can meet high air demands at low engine speeds, but the aerodynamic impact (drag) on the turbine engine increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable sealing means that can dynamically adjust the air inlet opening area based on engine operating conditions. The sealing means translates along the air passage between a first position (opening the inlet) and a second position (closing the inlet), allowing the system to adapt the drag-air intake trade-off in real-time according to engine speed and air demand requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the air inlet opening by moving the sealing means between positions, thereby varying the effective opening area. This parameter change allows the system to optimize performance across different operating regimes - maintaining sufficient air intake at low speeds while minimizing drag at high speeds
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the air inlet opening is made flush with the fan duct wall to reduce aerodynamic impact, then drag is minimized, but the ability to capture sufficient cold air flow is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable sealing means enables the air passage to transition between a flush configuration (minimizing drag) and an open configuration (maximizing air intake). The sealing means can be positioned to either close the inlet opening completely or open it to capture sufficient cold air, providing dynamic adaptation to operational requirements
3Productivity
If the engine operates at high bypass ratio with hot air temperature exceeding 550°C, then engine performance is improved, but the air intake system cannot meet high air demand at low engine speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the movable sealing means allows the air intake system to compensate for the reduced cold air availability at low engine speeds. By opening the air inlet when needed, the system can capture sufficient cold air from the fan duct to meet air intake demands even when the engine operates at high bypass ratios with elevated hot air temperatures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively addresses airflow needs across all engine speeds, reduces drag and weight, and minimizes acoustic cavity resonance, enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of the turbine engine by adapting the aerodynamic profile dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
the housing being arranged to intercept part of the air flow in the fan duct
Implementation Method 2
The passage comprises an air inlet opening with a scoop-type operation at its upstream end
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft turbine engine includes a fan duct having a wall; an air passage arranged in the wall and including an air inlet opening at the wall, the air passage being designed to receive part of the flow of air from the fan duct across the opening; an air intake housing located above the air inlet opening and fixed to the wall, the housing being arranged to intercept part of the air flow in the fan duct, and successively including, in the air flow direction, an upstream wall then a downstream wall, an upstream opening and a downstream opening arranged on the upstream wall and the downstream wall, respectively, the inside of the housing being in fluidic connection to the air inlet opening, and a movable sealing means between an “open” position; and a “closed” position relative to the downstream opening and the air inlet opening.